Has any of the previous posters in this thread actually seated themselves in a chair in the normal gate area before a flight for more than five minutes? The lounge chairs are nothing to write home about (well maybe that they need re-upholstering) but they are a great deal more comfortable.
And while the quiet may not be deafening, most lounges would be quieter than an airport concourse.
And now that QF won't check you in on separate PNRs, perhaps the value of business class check-in has been seriously reduced. But when 96% of your flights are international ex-Australia, avoiding the lines which you see for economy seating (yes
there are a number of smaller seats towards the rear of the plane even if they are not observed by most posters here) is greatly appreciated if you do not wish to spend time standing in (slow moving) lines. And besides, one of the high points of my recent trip with a land based relative was seeing the long lines and then avoiding them.
As well given the price of beer or wine (or coffee) in hotel environments, I would suggest the savings benefits of the lounge is rather more than previously mentioned.
But perhaps I am wandering (too much)
Fred